To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with private contractors on procedures for escorting illegal immigrants during their removal from the UK.

The Home Secretary has not discussed with private contractors any procedures for escorting illegal immigrants during removal from the UK.

I had a meeting with representatives from G4S Care and Justice Services in September 2010.

In September, officials together with G4S and representatives from the Independent Monitoring Board held a bi-monthly meeting to discuss issues affecting the general wellbeing of detainees.

A monthly meeting between UK Border Agency officials and G4S to review operations and performance was held on 20 October. Similar discussions have taken place in October with SERCO and Molynes, who provide escorting services at times of high demand.